Guy Cochrane

The headmaster of Sibford School has announced his plans to retire next year after 11 years in the role.

Michael Goodwin has been in charge of the village school since 2004 and is one of only 11 people to have held the post in its 174-year history.

Regarding his time in the position, Mr Goodwin was very positive but was emphatic that he had chosen the right time to leave.

He said: “I have been head of Sibford School since 2004 and this has been the longest position I have held in my teaching career. It’s a great job and I’ve really enjoyed it, but I feel that now is the time to be thinking about passing on the baton.”

“Our latest ISI report recognises the ‘excellent’ standards throughout the school and states that all pupils, from the youngest through to those in Sixth Form, make good progress.

“We couldn’t have achieved such an accolade without the hard work and support of our wonderful staff, governors, students and parents.”

Mr Goodwin says that he will continue to remain as dedicated to Sibford School in the next nine months as he has been over the past 11 years.

Seren Wildwood, chair of Sibford’s governing body, School Committee, added: “Although we have his services for the rest of this academic year we shall, of course, be very sad to lose Michael.

“He has been an excellent Head of Sibford School and we wish him and his family all the best with their move when the time finally comes.”

“As a Quaker School we have a strong ethos to uphold and it is important that any new Head fully embraces our Quaker values that recognise that of God in everyone.”